Remote code execution in Microsoft Internet Explorer

1) Use-after-free

EUVDB-ID: #VU14368

Risk: Critical

CVSSv4.0: 8.6 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:A/U:Red]

CVE-ID: CVE-2018-8373

CWE-ID: CWE-416 - Use After Free

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to a use-after-free error in VBScript when the scripting engine handles objects in memory in Internet Explorer. A remote unauthenticated attacker can trick the victim into visiting a specially crafted website, trigger memory corruption and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in complete compromise of vulnerable system.

Note: The vulnerability has been exploited in the wild.

Mitigation

Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Microsoft Internet Explorer: 9 - 11

CPE2.3

• cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:microsoft_internet_explorer:9:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:microsoft_internet_explorer:10:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:microsoft_internet_explorer:11:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

External links

https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2018-8373
https://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/use-after-free-uaf-vulnerability-cve-201...

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

How the attacker can exploit this vulnerability?

The attacker would have to trick the victim to visit a specially crafted website.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

Yes. This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.